Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2017 Farmington High graduate and Farmington, New Mexico, native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two HSC-2 at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia.
Airman James Mrzlak is a Navy naval aircrewman (helicopter) serving with the Fleet Angels, a versatile squadron that’s capable of completing a number of important missions for the Navy with the MH-60S “Knighthawk” helicopter.
A Navy naval aircrewman (helicopter) is responsible for providing logistics support and an extra layer of safety during flight operations.
Mrzlak credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Farmington.
“Don't quit no matter how things may not go your way,” said Mrzlak. “If you keep pushing, you’ll succeed in anything.”
HSC-2 trains more than 1,500 pilots, aircrewmen and aviation students annually. Squadron members train those who will fly and maintain the MH-60S helicopter in a variety of missions, including fleet logistics support, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
When flying the “Knighthawk” helicopter, members of the Fleet Angels search for surface ships, support special operations forces, conduct combat search and rescue missions, and perform other military operations around the world.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
A Navy naval aircrewman (helicopter) is responsible for providing logistics support and an extra layer of safety during flight operations.
Mrzlak credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Farmington.
“Don't quit no matter how things may not go your way,” said Mrzlak. “If you keep pushing, you’ll succeed in anything.”
HSC-2 trains more than 1,500 pilots, aircrewmen and aviation students annually. Squadron members train those who will fly and maintain the MH-60S helicopter in a variety of missions, including fleet logistics support, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
When flying the “Knighthawk” helicopter, members of the Fleet Angels search for surface ships, support special operations forces, conduct combat search and rescue missions, and perform other military operations around the world.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
Mrzlak is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Mrzlak is most proud of getting to the last phase of aircrew training.
“It's mentally tough training,” said Mrzlak. “You have to keep your head in the game all the way through.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Mrzlak, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Mrzlak is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“Both my parents were hospital corpsman in the Navy. I saw the cool things they did,” said Mrzlak. “Definitely had an influence on my decisions.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Mrzlak and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“People depend on me here," added Mrzlak. "We’re a team inside the aircraft.”